Stock feeding mechanism



June 9, 1953 E. R. MOTCH, JR

STOCK FEEDING MECHANISM 4 Sheet's-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 26. 1948 JNVENToR. A 50W/N R. Marc/f June 9, 1953 E. R. M01-cH, JR

STOCK FEEDING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-sheet 2 Filed Nov. 26. 1948 MMVI ,JWM im@ um June 9, 1953 E. R. Mo'rcH, JR'

STOCK FEEDIG MEcHANIsn/l 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 25. 1948 INVENToR. mw/v R. Marc/f JR' WM ATTO all: V6.

June 9, 1953 E. R. Mo'rcH, .1R

STOCK FEEDING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 26. 1948 IN VEN TOR.

EDW//V R. NOTCH JR. BY

Patented June 9, 1953 STOCK FEEDING MEoHANlsM Edwin R. Motch, Jr., Shaker Heights, Ohio, assignor to The Motch & Merryweather Machinery Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application November Z6, 1948, Serial No. 62,135

Claims. l

This invention relates as indicated to a novel stock feed mechanism and more particularly to a mechanism adapted intermittently to advance a continuous length of stock such as bar stock or tubing to a cold metal sawing machine or like cut-olf device,

Metal sawing machines of the type described in Patent No. 2,327,920 to J. G. Moohl, for example, are adapted for automatic operation, and it is of considerable importance that stock feed mechanisms for use in conjunction with such machines likewise be automatic in character and trouble-free in operation. It is often desired to handle rather long lengths of bar stock or the like which must of necessity extend a considerable distance laterally from the machine which is engaged in cutting off sections therefrom. The stoel; feed mechanism should therefore not require that the stock be inserted therein axially thereof. laccurate gauging of the stock is of prime importance, and it has been common practice to provide an adjustable stop or gauge on the sawing machine to be contacted by the end of the stock and when such stock has been securely clamped, then swung out of the way. Such gauging devices have not always been reliable in operation and also tend to obstruct access to the machine. It is therefore a primary object of my invention to provide stock feed mechanism in which stock gauging means of a very precise and eicient type is included entirely apart from the cut-off or other machine.

It is a further object of my invention to provide such feed mechanism having stock gripping means adapted automatically to accommodate itself to slightly bent stock and the like which might otherwise interfere with smooth` operation of the device.

Stock feed mechanisms of known types which repeatedly grip and advance a stock may tend to mar the latter and also are not always entirely reliable in obtaining a firm grip thereon without slippage. It is therefore another object of my invention to provide such mechanism which is adapted to rmly grip the stock adjacent the end thereof, which grip is not released until the same has been consumed.

Other objects of my invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawing setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however. of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawing:

Fig. 1 is a tcp plan view of one embodiment of my new stock feed mechanism showing that portion thereof situated adjacent the cut-off or other device to which the stock is to be fed;

Fig. 2 is a similar tcp plan View which comprises in effect a continuation of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view partly in section of the mechanism of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a View constituting a continuation of Fig. 3 and showing that portion thereof shown in plan in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line E- on Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic layout showing the operational relationship between the 'various parts of the mechanism.

Referring now more particularly to said drawing and especially Figs. l through 5 thereof, the embodiment of my invention there illustrated includes an extended trackway comprising a web I having upstanding flanges 2 and 3 forming parallel rails along which a carriage or dolly 4 is adapted to travel. Such tra'ckway is supported on uprights 5 and 6, and one end thereof is adapted to abut the cut-off or like machine provided with a Work-holding clamp or vise such as a column clamp having a lower jaw l and a relatively movable upper jaw (Figs. 3 and 6).

Stock gripping means The stock gripping means of this invention comprises a carriage ai provided with wheels 9 for reciprocation along rails 2 and 3. At the forward end of such carriage are lower jaw members l0 and l! dimensioned to correspond in elevation with column clamp lower jaw member l. An upright post l2 on such carriage supports a swinging arm i3 carrying a vertically adjustable screw I in its end. An upright work-gripping jaw l5 adapted to cooperate with lower jaw members IG and Il (Fig. 5) in firmly gripping the stock i6 is carried by the lower end of such screw which may be locked in adjusted position by means of hex nuts il. While such means provides for securing the stock rigidly to carriage d, there is sufficient play between the flanges of wheels 9 and the sides of the rails to permit such carriage to be turned slightly askew without any jamming or binding should the stock happen to be slightly bent.

Mounted in the after end of carriage 4 for limited lateral movement is a member I6 carrying a clamping device adapted to grip a bar I9 extending longitudinally of the trackway between rails 2 and 3. Such member I8 is retained in place by rod 29, the other end of which is pivotally secured in carriage 4 at 2l. The mechanism for gripping bar i9 comprises a cylinder 22 having a piston 23 reciprocable therein to rock arm 24 having an eccentric cam surface 25 adapted to move sliding jaw into clamping engagement with bar I9. A fixed jaw 21' is adapted to bear against the other side of bar I9 in opposition to such jaw Cylinder 22 is of the double-acting type and is therefore provided with two fluid pressure hoses 28 and 29 connecting with opposite ends thereof adapted to lie within sheet metal trough 39 to one side of the trackway. llt will be apparent from the foregoing that, in view of the pivotal connection il, jaws 25 and 2i may clamp bar I9 while at 'the same time jaws lll, II and I on the `carriage are firmly gripping a slightly bent length of stock without in any way causing binding of the mechanism. An advance roller R. serves to steady the carriage when the latter reaches the end of the track.

Auxiliary ,feed bar reciprocating 'means much as there is provided a3 to l ratio between .1,

gear 34 and gear 35, it is obvious that bar I9 and carriage 4 clamped thereto will be reciprocated three times the movement of the piston of piston cylinder assembly 3l. rib v3l secured to the other side of bar I9 from such rack 36 is overlaid by hold-down strip 39 which assists in retaining such bar in position. Bar I9 also passes through a guide G and, when retracted, rests upon a supporting roller S rotatable about a horizontal axis.

While there are certain advantages to the employment of hydraulic operating means of the type described, an electric torque motor may in stead be provided to drive pinion 35., such motor being oi the reversible type and capable of being stalled without danger thereto.

The gauging means As above indicated, when rack 32l is advanced by piston cylinder assembly 3l to its full extent, bar I9 will move three times such distance. This is therefore the measure of the maximum distance that the stock may be fed by the mechanism illustrated and described herein. It will of course be understood, however, that the ratio between pinions 34 and 35 may be varied to suit any particular need.

By means of the gauging device described below, the distance that the stock is thus fed' may be precisely regulated and may be any distance less than the aforesaid maximum.

A gauge rod 39 (Figs. 1 and 2) is journalled for axial reciprocation in end support 40 and pillow block 4I. A collar 42 is pinned thereto closely adjacent but slightly spaced from such A longitudinal 4. end support 49. A similar collar 43 is adjustaby secured to rod 39 adjacent pillow block 4I (Fig. 2) and is connected with a sliding stop 44 by means of a micrometer adjusting screw 45.

A sleeve 46 slidable along rod 39 is secured to bar I9 adjacent the left-hand end of the latter (Fig. l). When such sleeve engages collar 42 during the feeding reciprocation toward the cutoif or other machine, it moves rod 39 slightly to the left, although not suilciently so to cause collar 42y to engage end support 40. Movement of bar I9 to the left is actually halted by engagement of the end of such bar with stop 41 which carries end support 49. In so doing, bar I9 depresses plunger 48 to operate micro-switch 49 for a purpose explained below.

When auxiliary feed bar I9 is reciprocated in the other direction (to the right) such sleeve 46 carried thereby will engage stop 44 to shift rod 39 to the right, such latter movement however being slight and only suflicient to cause operation of micro-switch 50 and without engagement between collar 43 and pillow block 4I. A shock absorber 5I connected to the right-hand end of rod 39 softens the impact and limits movement of rod 39 and therefore bar I9 to the right.

General operation The general operation of my new feed mecha,- nism may now be readily understood. A length of stock I6 will be placed upon the feeder laterally with its right-hand end, as viewed in Fig. 3, securely clamped by jaws I0, II, and I5 on carriage 4. The other end of the stock will rest, on lower jaw I of the column clamp 52. The gauge will be set for the proper cut by securing collar 43 in approximately the correct position thereon and adjusting stop 44 by means of micrometer screw 45 (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 such gauge is set for the maximum length of cut, i. e. maximum reciprocaticn of auxiliary feed bar I9). Before starting automatic operation of the mechanism, column clamp 52 will be manually operated to clamp the stock during a preliminary cropping cut.

With such column clamp clamped (Fig. 6) pressure will build up in fluid pressure line 53 leading to the lower end of cylinder 54, in which piston 55 reciprocates to operate lever arm 56. Fluid pressure is supplied by pump 5l from sump 58 to main pressure line 59 provided with a relief valve 60. Return (exhaust) lines are shown in dash line on Fig. 6. As such pressure builds up in line 53 it overbalances pressure sequence valve 6I and passes through four-way valve 62 to admit pressure to line 63 and the right-hand end of cylinder 64, thereby advancing piston 65 and the saw carriage or other cut-off tool.

Movement of such piston and carriager operates micro-switch 66 to shift four-way valve 61 to admit fluid pressure from line 68 to line 69 leading to cylinder 22 on carriage 4. sequence valve 'I9 has, of course, already been overbalanced to admit pressure to line 68.) Piston 23 is thereby recprocated to release auxiliary feed bar I9. Operation of switch 66. also causes double solenoid operated four-way valve 1I to be shifted to admit iluid pressure to line 'i2 and thereby cause piston-cylinder assembly 3l. to` reciprocate rack 32 to shift auxiliary feed bar I9 to the left as viewed in Fig. 6. Carriage 4 remains stationary since it is no longer clamped to bar I9 but is clamped to stock I6 likewise held.

in column clamp 52. I3 and 'I4 are speed control valves and, 'I5 is a pressure reducing valve.

(Pressure Arm 46 on bar I9 (Figs. 1, 2, and 6) strikes stop 44 and moves gauge rod 39 sufficiently against shock absorber 5I to operate microswitch 50. Operation of switch 50 shifts valve 61 to cause carriage 4 to again be clamped to bar I9.

After completion of the cut, limit switch 1l is operated to shift valve 62 to admit pressure to line 18 and to connect line 63 to exhaust, thereby retracting piston 65 and returning the saw carriage. 19 is a volume control regulator for regulating the speed of advance of piston 65 while permitting rapid retraction of the latter.

When piston 65 is fully returned, switch B6 is again operated to shift valve 8U to admit pressure to line 8l, thereby unclamping column clamp 52. As upper jaw 8 rises, switch 82 is operated to shift valve ll to admit pressure to line 'I6 and connect line 'l2 to exhaust. Piston-cylinder assembly 3l thereupon advances bar 9 together with carriage 4 and stock I6 until arm 46 engages collar stop 42 on gauge rod 39. Bar I9 continues its movement slightly, moving rod 39 therewith and thereby releasing switch 50, until its end strikes stop 4l and switch 49 is operated. Operation of switch 49 shifts valve 62 to again connect line 63 to pressure and to shift valve 99 to connect line 53 to pressure. As previously explained, however, no pressure Will reach line 63 until the stock has been rmly clamped by the column clamp 52 and pressure-sequence valve 6I overbalanced. The cycle has thus been completed.

As previously indicated, the present invention is not concerned with the particular operation of the machine to which the stock is fed, the above example being for illustration only. It is only necessary that clamping means such as column clamp 52 be provided for cooperation With the feed mechanism proper.

All feeding and gauging mechanism is removed from the work station where it will offer no obstruction. It is positive and automatic in operation and incapable of damaging either the stock or the machine.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims or the equivalent of such be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A device for intermittently advancing a work piece comprising a guide-way, work gripping means mounted for movement along said guideway and adapted to be turned somewhat askew thereof, a fixed clamp operative rigidly to hold such work against movement, a member reciprocable longitudinally of said guide-way, and means on said work gripping means operative to engage said reciprocable member for movement of said work gripping means therewith, said member engaging means being pivotally secured to said work gripping means to permit the latter to turn somewhat askew when gripping a bent work piece or the like.

2. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work piece comprising a straight track, a carriage on said track adapted to travel therealong and to be turned somewhat askew thereof, means on said carriage adapted throughout the entire operation to grip an elongated Work piece disposed longitudinally of said track, iixed work clamping means at one end yof said track, an elongated member reciprocable longitudinally of said track, and clamping means pivotally mounted on said carriage adapted to clamp said reciprocable member for movement of said carriage therewith.

3. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work piece comprising a straight track, a carriage on said track adapted to travel therealong and to be turned somewhat askew thereof, means on said carriage adapted throughout the entire operation to grip an elongated work piece disposed longitudinally of said track, fixed work clamping means at one end of said track, an elongated bar reciprocable longitudinally of said track, and fluid-pressure actuated clamping means carried by said carriage in pivotal relationship to said work gripping means on said carriage and adapted to clamp said reciprocable bar for movement of said carriage therewith` 4. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work piece comprising a straight track, a carriage on said track and adapted to travel therealong, means on said carriage adapted throughout the entire operation to grip an elongated work piece disposed longitudinally of said track, xed work clamping means at one end of said track, a rigid elongated bar reciprocable longitudinally of said track, fluid-pressure actuated clamping means carried by said carriage in pivotal relationship to said work gripping means on said carriage and adapted to clamp said reciprocable bar for movement of said carriage therewith, a rack on said bar, a fluid pressure actuated pistoncylinder assembly, a second rack constituting an extension of such piston, pinion means interconnecting said racks for reciprocation of said bar, and gauging means limiting reciprocation of said bar comprising a rod mounted parallel thereto, fixed means limiting forward movement of said bar, an arm on said bar, a sleeve carried by said arm and movable along said rod, and an adjustable stop on said rod adapted t0 engage said sleeve and thereby to limit return movement of said bar.

5. A device for intermittently advancing a work piece comprising a guide-way, work .gripping means mounted for movement along said guideway operative continuously tightly to grip such work throughout the entire work advancing operation, a fixed clamp operative to hold such work rigidly against movement, a member reciprocable longitudinally of said guide-way, means adapted releasably to secure said work gripping means to said reciprocable member for movement therewith, a fixed stop limiting forward movement of said reciprocable member, a rod mounted parallel to said member, a movable stop adapted to be secured in adjusted position along said rod, a projection on said reciprocable member between said fixed stop and said adjustable stop adapted to engage the latter to limit return movement of said member, and drive means operative to reciprocate said member to the extent permitted by said stops.

6. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work piece comprising a straight track, a carriage on said track and adapted to travel therealong, means on said carriage adapted throughout the entire operation to grip an elongated work piece disposed longitudinally of said track, fixed work clamping means at one end of said track, a rigid elongated bar reciprocable longitudinally of said track, a fixed stop limiting forward movement of said reciprocable bar, a rod mounted parallel to said bar for longitudinal reciprocation, means limiting reciprocation of said rod in a rearward direction, a movable stop adapted to be secured in adjusted position along amigos@ said'rod, a projection on said bar' between said xed stop' limiting forward movement ofy said bar and saidadjustable stop on said rod adapted to engage the latter to shift said rod to the extent permitted by said limiting means, clamping means on said carriage operative to clamp said bar' for reciprocation of said carriage therewith, a switch operable by movement oi said rod rear'- wardly to activate said last-named clamping means to clamp said bar, means operative to activate said last-named clamping means to release said bar after said bar has advanced the full distance permitted by said fixed stop and said xed work clamping means has clamped the work, and drivey means operative to reciprocate said bar to the extent' permitted by said stops.

7. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work-piece comprising a straight track, acarriage on said track adapted to travel ther`e= along, means on said carriage adapted through# out the entire operation to gripl an elongated work-piece disposed longitudinally of said track, fixed work clamping means at one end of said track', a rigid elongated oar reciprooable longitudinally of said track, luid-'pressure actuated clamping means carried by said carriage adapte-d to clamp said reciprocable bar for movement of said carriage therewith, a fluid pressure actuated piston-cylinder assembly operatively connected with said bar and adapted to reciprocate the saine', Vand gauging" means limiting reciprocation of said bar comprising a rod mounted substan# tially' parallel thereto, fixed means limiting for-i ward movement of said bar, a projection on said ba'r movable along said rod when said bar is thus rec'iprocated, and an adjustable stop on said rod adapted to engage such projection on Asaid bar and thereby to limit return movement of said bar.

8. A device for intermittently advancing an elongated work-piece comprising a straight track, acarriage on said track adapted to travel therealong, means on said carriage adapted throughoutlthe entire operation to grip an elongated work-piece disposed longitudinally of said track, Xed work clamping means at one endy of said track, a rigid elongated bar reciprocable longitu'dinally of said track, means operative directly to interconnect said bar and carriage during for- Wardy movement of said bar, for movement of said carriage therewith, and to disconnect said bar and and carriage during return movementr of said bar, a nuid pressure actuated piston-cylinder assembly operatively connected with said bar and adapted to reciprocate the same, adjustable stop means limiting return movement of said bai', xed stopv means limiting` forward movement of said bar', and stallable drive means operative alternatively to urge said bar against said Xed and adjustable stops.

9. In mechanism for intermittently advancing an elongated length of stock to a cut-off or other machine, a stationary clamp adapted to clamp sch stock during the performance of an opera- 8 tion thereon by such machine, and I i'i'ean's opratve to feed such stock through' said clamp when the iatter is relaxed comprising arr elongated member recip'roo'able toward and away from said clamp, means operati-ve to interconnect said member and stock during forward movement of saidm'ember toward said clamp, for mover'neiitv of such' stock therewith; and toI disconnect said member and stock during return movement of said member away from saidy clamp', a fixed stop liirii-tirigv forward movement of said member, a rod mounted parallel to said member, a movable stop adapted te be secured in adjusted position along said rod, a projection on said member adapted to eng-age said adjustable stop to limit return movement of said member, and drive means operative to reciprocate said member to the' extent permitted by said stops.

10. In mechanism for intermittently advancing an elongated length oi stock to a cut-off or other machine, a stationary clamp adapted to clamp such stock during the performance of ari operation thereon by such machine, and means opera-'- tive to feed such stock through said clamp when the latter is relaxed comprising a rigid elongated bar reciprocable toward and away from said clamp, a xe'd stop limiting forward movement oi said reciprocable bar toward said clamp, a rod mounted parallel to said bar for longitudinal reciprocation, means limiting rec'iprocation of said rod in a rearward direction away from said clamp, a movable stop adapted to be secured in adjusted position alone said rod, an arm on said bar, a sleeve carried by said arm and movable along said rod between said fixed stop and said adjustable stop adapted to engage the latter to shift said rod to the extent permitted by said means limiting reciprocation thereof, clamping means operative to interconnect said bar and stock during forward movement of said bar, for movement of such stock therewith, and to disconnect said bar and stock during return movement of said bar, a switch operable by return movement of said rod to actu` ate said last named clamping means to interconnect said bar and stock, means operative to actuate said last named clamping means to dise connect said bar and stock after said bar has ad-V vanced the full distance permitted by said fixed stop and said stationary clamp has clamped the work, and drive means operative to reciprocate said bar to the extent permitted by said stops.

EDWIN R. MOTCH, JR.

References Cited in the file of this patent NITED STATE-s PATENTS 

